Rushden 1-1 U’s – Pre-Season Draws To Close

Colchester United were held to a disappointing draw by Rushden & Diamonds in their last pre-season fixture.

The game, against the Blue Square Premier side, at Nene Park, finished 1-1.

Inside five minute the U’ came close to conceding but Cliff Akurang failed to convert after rounding Ben Williams in the U’s goal.

And with Lee Beevers getting caught out around the half-hour mark the U’s were behind, as James Reid slotted home.

The U’s struck to draw level just before the interval after some good attacking play by winger Simon Hackney. His cross was diverted in, with both U’s man Ashley Vincent and a Diamonds defender making contact with the ball.

But in an less explosive second-half, worryingly the U’s injury-proned striker Steven Gillespie departed due to an injury – which the extent of is yet known.

And late on substitute Anthony Wordsworth – who netted a late winner earlier in the week – saw his effort saved by ‘keeper Dale Roberts.